2. A race, for horses or men, or any contest of agility,
strength, or skill, in which there is an allowance of
time, distance, weight, or other advantage, to equalize
the chances of the competitors.
[1913 Webster]

handicap — ► NOUN 1) a condition that markedly restricts a person s ability to function physically, mentally, or socially. 2) a disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor in sports such as golf and horse racing in order to make the chances more equal. 3) … English terms dictionary

Handicap — Hand i*cap, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Handicapped} ( k[a^]pt); p. pr. & vb. n. {Handicapping}.] To encumber with a handicap in any contest; hence, in general, to place at disadvantage; as, the candidate was heavily handicapped. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English